New Delhi, January 29, 2019: India’s Former Defence Minister and Anti-Emergency Crusader George Fernandes passed away in New Delhi this morning. He was 88.

Mr Fernandes, who hailed from Mangaluru in Karnataka was ailing for a long time. One of the most prominent leaders of the socialist movement in the 1970s, George Fernandes was a senior Janata Dal leader before he founded the Samata Party. He was elected to the Lok Sabha 9 times and once to the Rajya Sabha. He also served as Union Minister for Railways, Communications and Industry. George Fernandes was also a trade unionist, agriculturist, and journalist.

As President of the All India Railwaymen's Federation he led the Railway strike involving 1.5 million workers in 1974, resulting in thousands being sent to jail. It was one of the events that led to the imposition of the Emergency in June 1975. Fernandes went underground during the Emergency, while challenging then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for imposing a state of emergency. In 1976 he was arrested and tried in the infamous Baroda dynamite case.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed sadness on the passing away of former Defence Minister George Fernandes. In a tweet, Mr Modi said, George Sahab represented the best of India’s political leadership. He said, frank and fearless, forthright and farsighted, George Fernandes made a valuable contribution to the country and he was among the most effective voices for the rights of the poor and marginalised

The Prime Minister said, when people think of Mr George Fernandes, they remember most notably the fiery trade union leader who fought for justice, the leader who could humble the mightiest of politicians at the hustings, a visionary Railway Minister and a great Defence Minister who made India safe and strong. Mr Modi said, during his long years in public life, George Sahab never deviated from his political ideology and he resisted the emergency tooth and nail. He said, the simplicity and humility of the great leader were noteworthy. Mr Modi said, his thoughts are with the family, friends of George Fernandes and lakhs of people grieving.

President Ram Nath Kovind has expressed grief on the passing away of George Fernandes. In a tweet, Mr Kovind said, George Fernandes served India in many capacities, including as Defence Minister and he epitomised simple living and high thinking. The President said, George Fernandes was a champion of democracy, during the Emergency and beyond. He said, the nation will miss him.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has expressed grief on the passing away of former Defence Minister George Fernandes. In a tweet, Mr Naidu said, George Fernandes was a fighter for working class, a trade unionist, an upright politician, an able administrator, a great parliamentarian and above all was a good human being. He said, a multi-faceted personality, apart from being a leading politician, he was also a journalist and an agriculturist. The Vice President said, George Fernandes always stood for the rights of the downtrodden and relentlessly fought for their welfare. Mr Naidu said, he was a champion of civil rights and was among several leaders, who were imprisoned during the Emergency for their fight against the draconian measure. The Vice President said, he has been deeply influenced by his thoughts and actions and was closely associated with him during the JP movement. Mr Naidu expressed condolences to bereaved family members, friends and followers.

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